Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the geographical location of Azerbaijan and its regional context:
- Azerbaijan is located in the South Caucasus, a region at the intersection of Eastern Europe and Western Asia.
- Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is situated on the Caspian Sea.
- Azerbaijan and Armenia share a history of territorial conflict, and India has expressed support for the Armenia–Azerbaijan peace process.
- Azerbaijan has coastlines on both the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: Azerbaijan lies in the South Caucasus, a strategically important region between Europe and Asia.
- Statement 2 is correct: Baku is located on the western shore of the Caspian Sea.
- Statement 3 is correct: Armenia and Azerbaijan have experienced prolonged conflict, particularly over Nagorno-Karabakh. India has expressed support for the peace process.
- Statement 4 is incorrect: Azerbaijan is landlocked with respect to the Black Sea. It has a coastline on the Caspian Sea, which is an inland body of water.
